Transfer Talk: Five options to finally End Reds' midfield rebuild

Liverpool have finally strengthened their midfield with the signing of Wataru Endo from Stuttgart — but they still have work to do.

The Reds lost Fabinho and Jordan Henderson earlier this summer and have recently missed out on top targets Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia to Chelsea in humiliating fashion.

Although the arrival of 30-year-old Japanese international Endo eases the pressure somewhat, Jurgen Klopp will be keen to add at least one more fresh face to his engine room.

Ahead of their clash with Bournemouth this weekend, we take a look at five further stars who may be Anfield-bound.

Sofyan Amrabat

Sofyan Amrabat was the name on everyone's lips after last year's World Cup in Qatar. 

The Fiorentina midfielder, 26, excelled for Morocco as his nation became the first African side ever to reach the tournament's semi-final stage.

Those impressive performances continued in Serie A last season. He ranked high for possessions won in the middle third (3.91) and passes completed per 90 minutes (58.56). 

With his all-action approach both on and off the ball, Amrabat looks tailor-made to shine in Klopp's high-intensity system.

Cheick Doucoure

If Liverpool want a player with Premier League experience, Crystal Palace's Cheick Doucoure fits the bill perfectly.

The 23-year-old Malian impressed in his first season in the English top flight after joining Palace from Lens last summer. 

Only Declan Rice made more interceptions than Doucoure in the Premier League in 2022-23 (56), while he ranked 12th in the division for total tackles (77) — leading to praise from Eagles boss Roy Hodgson. 

Hodgson said: "[Doucoure] has been very influential. His positional sense, his ability to read the game, his technical ability, and the fact that he gets around the field so well."

Kalvin Phillips

Liverpool were linked with Manchester City's Kalvin Phillips before they turned their attention to Caicedo. 

They may now consider reigniting their interest in the England international, who was limited to just 12 Premier League appearances last season. 

Despite his lack of game time in 2022-23, Phillips still completed more passes per 90 than any other player in the division (89.38) at an accuracy rate of 92.63%. 

He also ranked seventh in the competition for possessions won in the middle third per 90 (4.64) and may find the lure of regular football in Merseyside hard to resist.

Joao Palhinha

Joao Palhinha is currently sidelined with a shoulder injury, so would not be able to make an instant impact if he were to join the Reds.

However, the Fulham midfielder was one of the division's surprise packages last term after arriving in a £20million coup from Portuguese giants Sporting.

No player in the Premier League last season made more tackles (147) than the 28-year-old, who also ranked high for aerial duels won (72) and possessions won in the middle third (113).

Khephren Thuram

Nice midfielder Khephren Thuram has long been touted as a possible Liverpool target.

The 22-year-old has been a standout performer in Ligue 1, capable of operating both as a defensive midfielder or as a more advanced No8. 

Thuram is an aggressive presser, winning more possessions in the final third than any other Nice player last season (21). 

He is also technically strong, completing 86.9% of his passes and creating nine big chances as well as a team-high 46 completed take-ons.